No. Ultrasound (also known as a sonogram) emits high frequency sound waves (above the audible range of the human ear) to produce images of internal organs, tissues and vessels.

Are there any side effects from ultrasound?

No, there are no known side effects and it is considered to be very safe.

What happens during the scan?

You will be asked some questions about your health and in particular, your current symptoms. You will be invited to lie down on an exam table and the lights in the room may be dimmed so that the pictures on the television screen can be seen more clearly. A water based gel will be applied to your skin over the area to be examined, for example the abdomen. The gel allows the transducer to slide easily over the skin and helps to produce clear pictures. The transducer produces the sound waves and interprets the information into an image on a computer monitor and is recorded for interpretation.

Will it be uncomfortable?

Ultrasound itself does not produce any discomfort. Apart from the transducer on your skin, you will not feel anything.

How long does an ultrasound exam take?

This depends on the type of ultrasound exam your doctor has ordered for you, but usually between 15-30 minutes.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound exam of your heart. The echocardiogram is a painless diagnostic ultrasound test that evaluates your cardiac function, letting your doctor know how well your heart is working. The atria, ventricles and valves of your heart are examined in a "live view" format that is recorded and subsequently interpreted by a board certified cardiologist.

What types of problems can be seen with an echocardiogram?

Look for the cause of abnormal heart sounds (murmurs or clicks), an enlarged heart, unexplained chest pains, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats.

Check the thickness and movement of the heart wall.

Look at the heart valves and check how well they work.

See how effectively an artificial heart valve is working.

Measure the size and shape of the heart's chambers.

Check the ability of your heart chambers to pump blood (cardiac performance). During an echocardiogram, your doctor can calculate the how much blood your heart is pumping during each heartbeat (ejection fraction).

Detect a disease that affects the heart muscle and the way it pumps, such as cardiomyopathy.

Look for blood clots and tumors inside the heart.

Look for congenital heart defects or to check the effectiveness of previous surgery to repair a congenital heart defect.

Check how well your heart works after a heart attack.

Identify the specific cause of heart failure.

Look for a collection of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) or a thickening of the lining (pericardium) around the heart.

How long does an echocardiogram take?

About 20-30 minutes.

What is a Doppler?

This is another type of ultrasound test that is used to evaluate how blood flows through an organ, blood vessel, heart valve or chamber. The Doppler examination measures the direction and speed of blood flowing through various areas of the body.

Who performs my ultrasound examination?

A registered sonographer will perform your examination.

Who interprets my ultrasound examination?

Ultrasound exams are interpreted by a board certified radiologist.

Are there any preparation instructions for my ultrasound or echocardiogram?

Sometimes . This depends on what type of exam your doctor has ordered. When you call to schedule your examination, our staff will let you know if any preparation is needed. The most common preparations for ultrasound testing might include fasting, or arriving with a full bladder.

CT QUESTIONS:

How long is this going to take?

CT procedures are very fast. Even complex exams can be done in less than 10 minutes.

When will my doctor get the report?

Your physician should have the report in 24 to 36 hours. Reports are often ready even sooner!

Is the dye dangerous?

X-ray contrast (“dye”) is very safe. But with any drug or medication, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction. The risk of having a significant reaction is very small. The technologist performing your exam will answer all of your questions or concerns in detail prior to administering contrast. As always, you have the right to refuse the contrast injection, but this may limit the diagnostic potential of your exam.

What does the I.V. contrast do?

The IV contrast provides the doctor with additional information. More diagnostic information can be gathered from the “contrast enhanced” exam than a non-contrast exam. Most exams require contrast, but several exams do not. Our radiologist will determine if contrast is indicated for your exam.

What is Barium and what does it do?

The Barium drink that is consumed prior to CT exams of the abdomen and pelvis is necessary for the radiologist to better evaluate the stomach, as well as the small and large intestines.

MRI QUESTIONS:

How long is this going to take?

The average MRI exam takes between 25 and 60 minutes, depending upon the area and anatomy to be imaged.

Why does this take so long?

MRI takes longer than CT and X-ray. This is because MRI produces images in a completely different way. The MRI machine actually collects signals from the body that are used to create images. It takes time to collect enough signals to produce an image of high quality. The average MRI scan is between 3 and 6 minutes long. The average MRI exam may consist of 4 to 12 individual scans.

Why is this so loud?

All MRI machines make noise. This is due to components within the machine being powered on and off very rapidly, making an audible noise. Many people are surprised to find out that there are actually no moving parts within the machine! Older systems can be quite loud, often requiring hearing protection. IRG utilizes the quietest MRI systems available.

Is the MRI dye safe?

MRI contrast (“dye”) is extremely safe. Additionally, MRI exams require significantly less contrast than CT scans. Because IV contrast agents are removed from the blood by the kidneys, the technologist will ask you if you have a history of kidney disease, poor kidney function or dialysis. If you have poor kidney function, contrast may not be administered.

What is the difference between this and a CT?

MRI and CT both image the body. The way they image the body is very different, thus the information the images contain is very different. Your doctor knows which method of imaging is appropriate to get the information he/she needs.

How safe is an MRI exam?

MRI utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio wave energy. Magnetic fields and radio waves are not harmful to the human body, they can however interact with metal or implanted medical devices within your body. You will be screened for such items prior to your MRI exam. Most items are perfectly safe with a few important exceptions, such as a cardiac pacemaker.

Why can't I move during the test?

Like many imaging systems, we need to image the body while it is “holding still” in order to get a clear picture. For this reason, it is really no different than taking a picture with your camera, if you move the camera while taking a photograph or the object moves while taking the picture, you get a blurry image. This same principle applies to medical imaging in most cases.

X- RAY QUESTIONS

Why is this table so hard?

The X-ray table is made out of a special material. This material needs to be thin, so that it does not absorb the X-rays, yet strong enough to support body weight.

Why are multiple X-rays of one body part taken?

Taking X-ray images of various body parts always requires multiple views in order to see all aspects of the anatomy being evaluated. The number of X-ray pictures taken depends upon the anatomy being imaged. Some body parts only require two views, usually a frontal view and a side view. Other more complex structures require several X-ray images, including angled and oblique views.

How safe is an X-ray exam?

Although it is understood that X-ray energy is not good for the tissues of the body, the amount of X-ray energy used for medical X-ray procedures is significantly low enough as to be considered very safe. The benefit of the information gained from medical imaging far out weighs the risk of harm. This has certain exceptions, for example, pregnant women should not receive X-rays. Children should have lead shielding to cover certain organs that are more sensitive to X-ray.